Harrisburg City Islanders came into the contest against Wilmington off a six point weekend in the Carolinas against Charleston and Charlotte. The Hammerheads last match was a victory at home against Phoenix FC. In the USL PRO table, tenth place Wilmington posted a record of 3-7-0 going into the contest while Harrisburg was sitting at second with 7-2-1 record.

The first half play could be considered very boring by the average fan but the only thing boring about the first half was the score line. Harrisburg created plenty of scoring opportunities but could not find the net behind ex-teammate goalkeeper Phil Tuttle of Wilmington. The City Islanders fired off six shots while the Hammers only had two. The first half was very passive though besides some stray shots each team sat back and possessed the ball. Wilmington knew the Harrisburg has one of the best groups of forwards in the league so they did not want to play wide open and allow gaps in the back. The Isle guys also did not want to allow any opportunities for the Hammers either so both teams were just possessing for most of the half without much runs and tackling.

In the second half, as we’re accustomed to seeing in the USL PRO, play became very chippy and multiple cards were shown. Not only did the Hammers have six fouls in the second half, but it would not be a USL PRO game without a Red Card, and it was shown to the Wilmington’s Daniel Steres in the 70th minute. Matt Bahner received a yellow card for Harrisburg, and the City Islanders had a total five fouls. The first goal was an own goal that went off Phil Tuttle on attempted clearance in the box. Hernandez set up the second goal for Harrisburg off his ball whipped into the box off his corner kick that was finished by Coady Andrews.

Harrisburg was able to close out the game and earn their eight victory of the season and third in a row. Wilmington on the other hand headed onto the bus with their eight defeat of the season. The Hammers will have to recover quickly as the have to face the undefeated Richmond Kickers on Saturday at City Stadium. On Saturday, the City Islanders will continue their six game homestretch as they face the Colorado Rapids Reserves at 7PM on City Island.